Define 'semantic differential' scale used in sensory evaluations.

The semantic differential scale is an assessment tool commonly used in sensory evaluations to measure respondents' attitudes or perceptions regarding specific sensory attributes. This scale involves pairs of bipolar adjectives, such as "sweet" and "bitter" or "smooth" and "rough," allowing evaluators to express their feelings on a continuum between these two opposing descriptors. By plotting responses along this scale, researchers can quantify subjective experiences and effectively gauge the emotional and perceptual response that individuals have towards a particular product, such as food or beverages. This method captures the complexity of sensory experiences as it reflects both the degree of a particular attribute and the nuanced feelings associated with it.

The other options, while related to sensory evaluation, do not accurately describe the semantic differential. A numerical rating system specifically assigns values to flavors, texture analysis focuses on the physical properties of a product, and a comparative scale typically involves direct comparisons between items for specific attributes, rather than measuring attitudes through a spectrum of descriptive terms.